Meow A Genetic Concert for Cats, Third Edition, is a reference book for cat breeders, owners, judges and veterinarians curious about the genetic makeup, DNA testing, evolution and diversity, life expectancy, size, weight, head and facial shape of pedigree cat breeds.,
Peek inside, and find chapters, tables, a glossary and over 300 references describing what is scientifically known about the genes responsible for the multitude of different coat colours and patterns, including red, cream, tortoiseshell and salmiak (salty licorice)-patterned cats from Finland, hair lengths and compositions including a new longhair gene mutation in Maine Coon cats, eye colours including dominant blue eyes in breeds such as Celestial, Altai and Maine Coon lineages and breed-defining features that are seen in cats such as Kurilian Bobtail, Lykoi, Munchkin and Ural Rex. Learn about strategies for managing white markings in Ragdoll cats, inbreeding in cats, genes responsible for the softness of the Bengal's coat and golden varieties, such as the counter-shaded golden British Shorthair, sunshine and extreme sunshine Siberian, and the availability of silver inhibitor and O gene DNA testing
Be challenged by phenotype-related candidate genes for American Curl and LaPerm, and genetic hypotheses for the dilute modifier gene, silver phenotypes, including non-expressing cryptic silver cats that produce silver kittens and solving the origin of the Ragdoll cat mystery. Understand feline genetic markers that are used for identity and parentage testing; how to interpret DNA test results for coat colour, pattern and length; what to do when DNA test results do not make sense; the pros and cons of outcrossing cat breeds; the potential effect of diet and environment on gene activity; the quality control role of cat judges and limitations of breed standards.
